Upper Susa and Chisone Valleys

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of the sometimes strong wind the wind slabs have increased in size additionally, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. On steep slopes medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large avalanches are possible. The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. Caution is to be exercised in particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are difficult to recognise. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for defensive route selection. Whumpfing sounds and natural avalanches serve as an alarm sign.

Over a wide area over a wide area 30 to 60 cm of snow has fallen since Monday above approximately 1800 m. The sometimes strong wind has transported some snow. This situation gave rise to unfavourable bonding of the snowpack over a wide area. New snow and wind slabs are lying on a weakly bonded old snowpack, in particular on shady slopes. Large-grained weak layers exist in the snowpack on shady slopes.

As a consequence of snowfall above approximately 1300 m the snowpack can not consolidate at the weekend.